You can get rid of roaches by being your own exterminator. Home treatments are available which work to control roaches with less harmful chemicals. If you see one roach then you have a problem and you need to take care of it quickly. Cockroaches multiply quickly and will spread germs to your family. Roaches hide during the day so it is best to look for them at night with a flashlight in places like pantries and cabinets. There are many do-it-yourself ways to control roaches. Keep trying until you find the method which works for you.

Boric Acid is less dangerous then many pesticides. Mix 1 part boric acid, 2 parts flour and 1 part cocoa to make a boric acid dust. Scatter a thin dusting of the powder in places roaches hang out – cupboards, under sinks, cracks, etc. Roaches will take it home to feed their families. If possible leave the powder out for a few days. Then cleanup up the powder using a wet rag and vacuum all of the powder which remains. You can leave some of it in dark places, under the stove and refrigerator and where you know roaches hide. Do not leave any where food is stored or where kids or pets can reach and touch the powder. Although boric acid is less toxic then pesticides it can still be harmful to kids and pets. Replace the boric acid occasionally because it will become ineffective over time. Using it outdoors is not as effective because water makes it lose potency. Do not breathe the powder; it can irritate your lungs.

A second safe and easy method is to purchase roach traps or bait. Roach traps can be found in a childproof case or applied as a gel. They contain a slow-working poison and are mixed with something cockroaches find attractive. These will trap the roaches and then you dispose of them. They are easier to contain and may be better around children and pets. Baits can also be bought or you can make your own using the Boric Acid or Sugar mixture. Place the bait where children and pets cannot get them. The roaches eat the poison in the bait and take it back to the nest, where it eventually kills them.

Another effective roach control method is made by mixing equal parts of sugar and baking soda. Roaches eat the sugar, and the baking soda gives them gas which kills them. It only takes about a cup of the mixture to treat a house. Place dabs in strategic spots. If you have pets, make sure this mixture is where they cannot get it because it may make them sick.

My favorite method is to use a water and soap solution. Mix any kind of soap with water to make this solution. Spray or throw on the roaches and try to make contact with the roach’s head and lower abdomen. The roach will die quickly, but you need to throw it out as soon as possible. Roaches breathe through their skin and the soapy water forms a thin film on the breathing pores. This causes the roach to suffocate. However, sometimes the roach can recover when the water dries up so get rid of it as soon as possible. This is a very effective yet simple method. It’s my favorite because my son thinks it is fun and will take care of the roach problems for me!!

Prevent re-infestation by keeping your house clean. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly and remember roaches love grease. Dirty dishes in a damp sink are a roach’s dream. Empty trash regularly and keep trash away from the house. Roaches are attracted to water so fix any leaks or drips. Roaches can get into your house through cracks as small as 1/16 of an inch. Seal all cracks especially around the pipes.

If these methods do not work to help you control roaches, it is time to call professional roach exterminators and ask about their least toxic treatment. Exterminators are licensed to use stronger chemicals while keeping your family safe.